Is Darius Victor the Answer At RB?
This off-season there’s been a lot of moves coming out of Philadelphia that you can perceive as the Eagles winning the off-season. Whether it’s the addition of Jordan Davis, AJ Brown, or Nakobe Dean, The Eagles seem to hit every position of need this off-season, that is except for one. The running back position needs a short-yardage and goalline option, and I propose taking a look at Darius Victor.
Moving on From Jordan Howard with Darius Victor?
In 2021 the Eagles relied on Jordan Howard to come off the practice squad at the beginning of the season. By season’s end, the offense was running more and needed Howard on the active roster. At 6’0 225 pounds, Howard is your quintessential contact balance runner. If it weren’t for his injury history the Eagles likely would have looked to resign the 28-year-old back.
In seven appearances last season Jordan Howard had 86 carries for 406 yards and 3 touchdowns. Adding 2 receptions on 5 targets for 19 yards. He performed rather admirably in this role. According to PFF.com Howard graded out at a 77 in the run game by forcing 14 missed tackles, with 9 explosive runs and an average of 3.14 yards per carry after contact.
Last season the man to fill this contact balance runner role for Philadelphia primarily came up from the practice squad, so it would not be a situation that would be out of the norm for the Eagles to address this season with a Depth Peace at running back to primarily spent the season on the practice squad. With that being said, I believe I have the perfect candidate for this role in 2022 for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Eagles Could Look to USFL’s Darius Victor
The Eagles haven’t typically looked to Spring Football for players but I believe there is one man they should look at. He even currently plays for the New Jersey Generals who represent an area widely known to be Eagles fan-heavy. That man is RB Darius Victor.
Victor is a talented back that seemingly fell through the cracks of the NFL the last few seasons. He has spent multiple seasons in Spring football showing his talent. This season with the USFL has been no different.
Currently, Darius Victor leads the USFL in touchdowns quickly establishing himself as the goal line vulture of the USFL. Most people don’t consider a 5’9 210 pound back a contact balance runner, that’s until they see Victor run the ball.
Darius Victor NFL Player Comparison
He reminds me of a faster Cj Anderson who played with Denver. He’s a compact runner but still produces power at 210 lbs similar to Anderson who stood 5’10 220 lbs. Through 9 weeks he has 717 all-purpose yards.
He has contributed as a runner, whether between the tackles or bounce it outside. In the passing game, he has added 111 reception yards. Last but not least he has contributed 63 yards in the return game.
Where Does Darius Victor fit?
Philadelphia needs a back to replace Jordan Howard. They have a taste for smaller backs which is why we no longer see a back bigger than Miles Sanders. Why not bring in a man who fits that taste, but fills an inherent need for power?